Detailed Timeline – 1991
1991
The Bicesse Accords called for the suspension of all hostilities beginning on May 15. This deadline was met, and the government and UNITA leadership formally accepted the cease-fire to begin at midnight on May 15,1 despite occasional allegations of cease-fire violations throughout 1991.
The Bicesse Accords stipulated the establishment of CCPM and CMVF and the initiation of verification operations by May 31. These bodies were established in accordance with the timeline and began meeting in June.2
The Bicesse Accords called for establishing a monitoring system—comprised of monitoring groups subordinate to CMVF—by June 15. While some regional monitoring groups were established, delays obstructed the formation of several others (such as the joint police monitoring group, which was not formed in 1991).3
The Bicesse Accords stipulated the installation of the UN verification system by June 30. In May, the United Nations established the United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) to monitor and verify the agreement, cease-fire, and elections.4 The mission authorized a total of 350 military observers, 126 civilian police, 87 international civilians, and 155 local staff.5 By July, 120 UN monitors had arrived in Angola, and head-of-mission General Pericles had begun attending CCPM meetings.6 By October 25, all authorized positions were filled.7 UN staff actively monitored compliance with the agreement, particularly by counting troops and weapons in assembly areas and providing logistical support for implementation procedures.8
The Bicesse Accord stipulated that armed forces should move to assembly areas by August 1. By the end of 1991, approximately 65% of troops had assembled.9
1 “Angolan cease-fire date reportedly accepted by government and UNITA,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, May 17, 1991.
2 “Angola first meeting of joint commission; legal basis to be established,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, June 20, 1991.
3 “UNAVEM II Background,” United Nations, 2000.
4 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
5 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
6 “Angola Luanda meeting of joint commission,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 18, 1991.
7 “United Nations Angola Verification Mission II,” United Nations, 2000.
8 “UNAVEM II Background,” United Nations, 2000.
9 “Round-up: 1991 –year of peace for Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, December 19, 1991.